The AIMSAD Member Workshop, organized to analyze the current state of the Turkish woodworking machinery industry and set future goals, brought together industry representatives. During the workshop, solutions to sectoral problems were developed, and ideas were exchanged on growth strategies, digitalization, and export targets for the industry.

The Member Workshop, where new roadmaps for the development of the Turkish woodworking machinery industry were defined by AIMSAD, was held at Titanic Business Kartal Hotel with the participation of industry representatives. The workshop marked a critical step toward achieving the goals of sustainable growth and enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness.

At the start of the workshop, AIMSAD Secretary General Arif Onur Kaçak delivered a presentation on the event’s flow and industry-related figures. Subsequently, sessions moderated by Dr. Selçuk Mutlu delved into key topics such as growth strategies, export targets, digitalization, and R&D in detail. The moderator periodically gave the floor to member company representatives, allowing them to share their views on the industry’s challenges and solutions. This enabled participants’ suggestions to be considered throughout the workshop. Additionally, sessions analyzed Türkiye’s import and export data in the woodworking machinery industry, discussing solutions to strengthen the industry’s current position and ensure sustainable growth.

Sectoral issues were thoroughly discussed, and ideas were exchanged between members at the workshop

At the AIMSAD Member Workshop, the main challenges facing the industry were thoroughly discussed, and solutions were explored. Among the issues raised by the companies were visa problems, lack of support for the sub-industries, deficiencies in branding and digital marketing processes, the need for resources for R&D activities, and the shortage of qualified personnel. The processes for building trust in foreign markets and improving sectoral vocational training services were also brought to the agenda. Considering China’s strong position in the woodworking machinery industry, strategies to enhance market diversification in Türkiye’s trade with this country were emphasized. Additionally, ideas were exchanged with member companies on strengthening the global standing of the WoodTech Fair, one of the most significant events in the woodworking machinery industry.

The suggestions and solutions proposed by industry representatives throughout the workshop formed a roadmap to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Turkish woodworking machinery industry. The evaluations made by AIMSAD and the feedback received from members during the workshop shed light on the industry’s potential to advance to even better positions through unity and collaboration.